Multifamily developments continue to be in high demand across the United States, due to current economic conditions and shifting demographics. Particularly appealing for millennials and baby boomers downsizing from single-family homes, the trends for these communities are driven by the tenants themselves.

One of the major trends in multifamily development demonstrates a shift toward more urban-living conveniences. Multifamily now often incorporates mixed-use elements to offer residents shopping and dining options within walking distance. Developers are also paying attention to proximity to local transit, constructing these communities near public transportation stops to provide tenants with a more urban lifestyle. Staying on top of these trends and delivering what is highly sought-after is vital. One of McCormick Construction’s current multifamily projects, Evolution Warner Center, is located in LA’s Warner Center region, where transit-oriented development, walkability and sustainability are emphasized. The new development, which is under construction, is a one-block-walk from the city’s Orange Line, giving residents greater mobility, while reducing carbon emissions.

Custom amenities are another trend in multifamily developments. While offerings vary, reflecting the needs and wants of the region, some of the latest trending amenities include bike repair stations, pet salons and expanded fitness centers.

Instead of opting for a room with a few treadmills and some weights, many developers are instead offering a space where tenants can gather and socialize, incorporating classes for yoga, aerobics and kickboxing. Set for completion early next year, McCormick Construction’s Talaria At Burbank project puts this concept into practice offering its future tenants amenities galore, including specialty services like dry cleaning and wine storage, in addition to private spa facilities and a business center.

This leads into another important aspect of multifamily: The effect it has on the economy. Located in the heart of the media district in Burbank, CA, Talaria At Burbank is surrounded by several entertainment studio lots, including Warner Brothers, Universal and Disney. A large portion of Burbank’s economy is driven by the entertainment industry, with the majority of employees commuting to work each day. Once complete, Talaria will provide housing options for those working at nearby studios, while bolstering the economy, as tax and retail dollars follow these new developments along with new jobs.

Homeownership levels are lower than they have been in 50 years, which is causing the demand for multifamily housing to increase exponentially across the country. And, with more millennials seeking housing options than ever before, renting is an extremely appealing option as it provides greater flexibility and affordability as well as enhanced services and amenities — all within a more desirable location. While the American Dream might once have been to own a home, it has now evolved into the desire for greater experiences, communal spaces and hospitality-like amenities that come with today’s multifamily developments.

The project, which is being built by McCormick Construction, will consist of a seven-story building at 6240 Sunset Boulevard, replacing what is now a surface parking lot. Plans call for 200 multifamily units, in addition to 4,700 square feet of ground-floor retail space, two levels of underground parking, and amenities such as a dog park, a fitness center, a sky deck and a swimming pool.

TCA Architects is designing the podium-type building, which will incorporate a mid-block paseo spanning between Sunset Boulevard and Leland Avenue. The pedestrian walkway will also link to the adjacent theatre.

Developer Essex Property Trust expects construction to occur over roughly 26 months, with a targeted completion date of December 2019.

A 277-unit apartment building has broken ground in the San Fernando Valley’s Warner Center neighborhood, McCormick Construction announced today. The project is expected to be complete in fall 2019.

The complex, called Evolution Warner Center, is being developed by Evolution Strategic Partners. The Urban Architecture Lab-designed building will hold 57 studio apartments, 139 one-bedroom apartments, 73 two-bedrooms, and 4 three-bedroom apartments, plus four live/work units.

Residents will have access to a pool and spa, a gym, a rooftop barbecue area, an outdoor kitchen, and designated pet washing and bike repair areas.

Located near Kittridge Street and Variel Avenue, the 426,000-square-foot development will be close to the 34-acre Promenade Mall (which has a major reboot in the works), the Warner Center Business Park, and the Warner Center Plaza. It will also be within walking distance of the Orange Line’s Canoga Station, which might eventually become a light rail line.

“This development is an exciting one for us as we have seen the continued growth and housing demand spike in this area,” Michael McCormick, CEO and president of McCormick Construction, said in a statement.

On October 7th, for the sixth year in a row, McCormick Construction volunteered a team for the Baja Challenge! Since 2011, McCormick Construction has been participating in this annual event that brings Southern California builders and real estate professionals together to build homes for deserving families in Mexico, just south of the San Diego border.

Organized by Project Mercy, a 501-C (3) non-profit agency based in San Diego, the goal is to improve the basic living standards and quality of life for impoverished families who live in conditions precarious to their health in the shantytowns east of Tijuana, Mexico. Each year for the Baja Challenge, volunteers build basic but sturdy houses for the poorest families in the outlying neighborhoods, or “colonias” of Tijuana, Mexico.

Each house is built for an eligible family who owns their small lot (qualified by Project Mercy’s 3 criteria here).

Check out the photos from the day!

The “Before” – a pile of supplies

Volunteers arriving and getting outfitted!

Busy painters!

The deserving family with their (almost) finished home!

The McCormick Construction Team with the family & finished home!

For more information on the Baja Challenge or Project Mercy, visit their websites below.